WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is still awaiting a decision on whether he will be granted a new appeal as he continues to fight extradition to the U.S. on criminal charges. The hearing before high court judges in London concluded today without a verdict. Assange is facing charges under the Espionage Act for obtaining and sharing classified information related to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, with a potential life sentence if convicted.
The recent hearings were part of Assange's efforts to avoid the extradition order issued by the High Court in the United Kingdom in 2021, which was upheld in 2022 and approved by the Home Secretary at the time. Assange's legal team argued for the opportunity to appeal the extradition on grounds of poor health and other reasons, but the judges have not yet reached a decision.
The U.S. government's counsel contended during the hearings that Assange had exceeded journalistic norms by publishing unredacted classified documents, potentially endangering individuals named in the materials. In contrast, Assange's defense team asserted that his prosecution could set a dangerous precedent for journalism and freedom of speech.
Additionally, Assange's lawyers raised concerns about the potential risks he might face beyond imprisonment, alleging a past plot by the CIA for his extradition or even assassination. The American legal team disputed the severity of the potential sentence, suggesting a shorter term of four to six years in U.S. prison.
As the judges have reserved their judgment, the timeline for a decision remains uncertain. Depending on the outcome, Assange may either face extradition proceedings leading to potential transfer to the U.S. within weeks or be granted permission to pursue further legal challenges in British courts. The situation continues to evolve, with updates expected in the near future.
